The 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has unveiled its highly anticipated nominee list, following a record-breaking 10,717 entries—the highest since the awards' inception 12 years ago. A distinguished 13-member International Jury meticulously adjudicated over 10 days, shortlisting 343 nominees across 40 diverse categories, representing Africa's five regions and the diaspora. These nominations prominently feature both established music giants and a new wave of emerging talents, underscoring the growing global influence and rich diversity of African music.

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) and Davido (David Adeleke) emerged as leading contenders, each securing an impressive five nominations. Burna Boy's acclaimed album 'No Sign of Weakness' and Davido's '5ive' are both nominated for Album of the Year. Davido's hit single 'With You' garnered nods for Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration, the latter featuring Omah Lay. Burna Boy also earned a nomination for 'Best African Artiste Duo or Group in African Pop'. Both Afrobeats luminaries are also featured in the 'Best Male Artiste in West Africa' and 'Artiste of the Year' categories for their respective singles 'Update' and 'With You'.

Matching their five nominations is South Africa's DJ Maphorisa, recognized in categories including Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Morocco's rap star El Grande Toto also bagged five nominations for his album 'Salgoat' and hit 'Diplomatico', which have garnered global attention. Senegal's Mia Guissé and Ghana's Moliy likewise received five nominations each, highlighting the increasing impact and major influence of female artists on the continent's music stage.

Nigeria's fast-rising street-pop sensation Shallipopi (Crown Uzama) clinched four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration 'Laho'. Shallipopi also appears in the 'Breakout Artiste of the Year' category for 'Laho', with the song's producer, Progrex, also nominated for 'Best Producer of the Year'. Other prominent Nigerian artists include Rema with three nominations (Artiste of the Year, Best Male in West Africa), and Ayra Starr with two nominations, also vying for Artiste of the Year alongside major stars like Davido, Burna Boy, and El Grande Toto. Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade also received nominations in categories like 'Best Female Artiste in West Africa' and 'Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall', respectively, along with Ruger. Artists such as Asake, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, and Ruger were also recognized in various categories, demonstrating the breadth of Nigerian talent.

The nominations extended across the continent and beyond, showcasing a truly pan-African and global scope. Egypt's Amr Diab, a best-selling artist in the Middle East, secured four nominations. Côte d'Ivoire's Himra received three nominations, including Album of the Year for 'Big Aka 4 Aka Kai', marking him as one of the strongest newcomers in this year's race. Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz earned four nominations, affirming his continued dominance in East Africa. South Africa's breakout star Tyla and Eswatini's Uncle Waffles each received four nominations, a testament to the surging popularity of amapiano and Afro-house sounds.

Additional notable nominees include Côte d'Ivoire's Didi B (three nominations, Best Male Artiste in West Africa, Album of the Year), Gabon's Eboloko (three nominations, Breakout Artiste of the Year), and Emma'a (three nominations, Best Female Artiste in Central Africa). DR Congo's heavyweights Fally Ipupa and Ferre Gola each garnered three nominations, with Fally Ipupa up for Artiste of the Year and Ferre Gola for Songwriter of the Year. In North Africa, Morocco's Jaylann received three nominations, as did Tanzania's Juma Jux, including Song of the Year for 'Ololufe mi'. South Africa also saw triple nominees in Mawhoo (recognized for her hit 'Bengicela') and rap star Nasty C (for his track 'Soft').

The diaspora's significant contribution to African music was also recognized, with male nominees such as DJ Snake, Gazo, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Tif, Werenoi, WizTheMC, L'Algérino, and Odeal making the cut. On the female side, the nominees include Aya Nakamura, Annatoria, Choisie Basolua, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia, The Unveiled, Theodora, and Zaho.

AFRIMA jury member Delani Makhalima, representing the Southern African region on the panel, highlighted the 2025 nominees' list as powerful proof of African music's remarkable journey and global ascendancy.